Jay A. Pearson, 32, K.C.C.H.
Lyman, South Carolina

Seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished by individual effort and cooperative support.

Recently, I was reading the Bible about the exodus of the children of Israel, how they came to the desert of Sinai and, more importantly, to Mount Sinai. This is where God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments.

We know Mount Sinai has three peaks, the highest is 9,300 feet high. It is called Um Shamer. Jebel Katerin is 8,705 feet, and Jebel Serbal is 6,759 feet. We do not know which Moses climbed, but we read in Exodus 19:20 that “the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mount; and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount, and Moses went up.”

I am sure we have all climbed a hill or two in our time, but the number that have climbed mountains is smaller. When you climb, you tend to reach certain plateaus. How Moses must have been tempted to rest at the first, second, or third plateau! I feel certain Moses pressed forward with zeal and fervency to the top.

As we climb the mount of our Masonic life, we all have passed certain plateaus. We started by asking for a petition. The first plateau was our Entered Apprentice Degree. Some were content there and stayed, while others moved forward. Through hard work and dedication, we reached our second plateau, that of our Fellowcraft Degree. This plateau had more in-depth knowledge and privileges; however, with privileges often comes responsibilities. These new responsibilities may be too much for some, or some may decide just to pause and reflect. For whatever reason they stay.

More determined and dedicated to the climb, others struggle forward. The closer to the top, the harder we find the climb; however, we find that the obstacles we have overcome have built character. This character causes us to persevere and press forward. Before we know it, we have reached not the top, but yet another plateau. This plateau is our Master Mason Degree.

Some have pressed forward not to the top, but to other plateaus and challenges. While climbing, let us not grow weary or lose focus of the task at hand. We should pace ourselves and remember to look in the valleys for opportunities to assist our lagging Brethren.

Through all ages, people have undertaken what were thought to be impossible tasks with impossible odds. They only accomplished success through individual effort and cooperative support. That is why your attendance in the Lodge is vital. Remember a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!


Flag Day Through Independence Day
Saturday, June 14 thru Friday, July 4, 1997

“That Congress declares the twenty-one days from Flag Day through Independence Day as a period to honor America, that there be public gatherings and activities at which the people can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate manner.” Public Law 94-33

Every community, group, and individual may participate in this nationwide effort by helping the handicapped, by expressing an appreciation for the aged, and by encour- aging the young to understand the opportunities and the responsibilities inherent in our constitutional system. Through such positive action, at least during these 21 days, Americans may then celebrate the Fourth of July with a feeling of accomplishment.